Legacy Gala 2009

John Ehrman '58, Father Scott Jabo and Dan Shipley '59

Legacy Gala 2009 Makes Dreams Come True with Record Breaking Attendance

Many people often say “If you are going to dream, dream big”. That is exactly what happened the night of Saturday, March 28, when 230 guests from the Prep community attended the Legacy Gala themed “Daring to Dream”. The premier fundraising event raised over $225,000 to make it a smashing success.

This year Prep honored two distinguished alumni who “dared to dream” throughout their lifetime. John Ehrman ’58 and Dan Shipley ’59 were inducted into the Headmaster’s Hall of Fame. Ehrman’s family and grandchildren were all present at the event. Shipley was blessed as all of his siblings came in from out of state to share in his special night. Both men were humbly grateful for the honors bestowed on them that evening.

Guests who entered the gym were completely amazed by the elegance that surrounded them. Allburn Florist (owned by John Ehrman) made this Gala the most spectacular event ever. With 750 roses in the gym, guests walking in were awed by the beauty. Allburn’s let nothing go undecorated. Even the basketball hoops were covered in arrangements of orange gladiolas with silver accents.

The food, provided by Sabella’s Catering, was exquisite. There were several different food stations to pick from including: a raw bar, pasta, steak and chicken, flowing fondues and desserts. In addition to the mouth watering food, Sabella’s presentation of the food was unbelievable. The different bars, featured lighted glass and mirrors which made everything look stunning.

The band the Night Cruisers, donated their time to the auction by playing for most of the evening. The Cruisers, which consist of three Prepsters; Brian Stamm ’09, Dylan Vogt ’08, and Andy Martin ’09, joined by Nate Moore rocked the night away. In addition to donating their time to play at the event, they also donated “2 hours of entertainment” in the Live Auction.

Cathedral Prep students were dressed to the nines in tuxedos and treated the guests to valet parking. They had a great time interacting with the auction attendees who believe in the mission of Prep.

There was something for everyone at the auction. Over 250 silent auction items were offered with the ever-popular live auction items. Guests had the opportunity to bid on several luxurious items including; a 1934 Ford Street Rod Coupe (donated by Denis DiLoreto ’65), “ Lasik Eye Surgery in Sunny Naples, Florida”, “Cathedral Prep Custom Designed Lockers” and an Evgeni Malkin Autographed jersey, just to name a few.

There was also a jewelry raffle featuring a highly sought after David Yurman Blue Topaz cookie necklace and matching earrings. Tickets were $20.00 and everyone received a complimentary glass of champagne. The set was generously donated by the Cathedral Prep swim team families.

The proceeds from the auction are used to keep Prep's tuition within the reach of Erie area families. The evening brought many Prep supporters together to celebrate and to continue to support the mission of Prep, all while having fun, raising funds and enjoying each other’s company. Many thanks to the countless people who made the 2009 Legacy Gala such a tremendous success. Stay tuned for details for Legacy Gala.

Cathedral Prep Releases Name of Auditorium at Legacy Gala 2009

Midway through the Live Auction, Director of Advancement, Chris Hagerty made a very special announcement. The auditorium, which will undergo a major renovation this summer, will be named after Cathedral Prep philanthropist, H. David Bowes ’59.

Bowes’, a true ‘Man of Prep’, died in April of 2007, just before the auction. The auction that evening was dedicated to the life of David Bowes. He dedicated part of his life to the school that he loved so very much.

During the Live Auction, guests were given the opportunity to purchase a seat in the new auditorium for $500.00. At that point, the auction caught fire and kept spreading. Bid paddles were waving like crazy. 100 auditorium seats were sold that evening raising $50,000.00.

Bowes’ son Casey ’94 was present that evening and is grateful for this honor in his dad’s name. “The Bowes family genuinely appreciates the decision to name the renovated auditorium in honor of our dad, who dedicated a generous space in his heart and in his actions to contributing to Prep’s mission to provide a first-rate Catholic education in the Erie community. It’s fitting that the area of Prep that most publicly exhibits the spirit, energy and integrity of this mission is being named after him. He would be very proud and honored to have his name memorialized in such a special way by the Prep family. I personally look forward to one day showing my son his granddad’s name over the door as he continues the tradition of a Prep education.”

The auditorium will undergo a total of $1.7 million dollars in renovations this summer. This will include a revised seating plan, seats, lighting, curtains and a new sound system. This will make the auditorium a dual purpose room which will serve as an assembly hall and theatre.

Prep students surround the 1934 Ford Street Rod Coupe donated by Denis DiLoreto '65

Transformation of the gym courtesy of Allburn Florist